Review Committee votes 10 to 1 not to ban BONE
On April 15, just as we were getting ready to leave for Chicago and the C2E2 convention, the mother of an elementary school boy officially petitioned to have the BONE series banned from all the schools in the district. I learned about it from an article in the Sun Newspapers Minnesota Local News.
Yesterday, a review committee met and heard both sides of the case. At the conclusion of the hearing, a letter I sent was read aloud. The committee then voted 10 to 1 against the ban.
The decision could be appealed, of course, but this was a very decisive statement by the review board.
Whew. I am obviously relieved and happy with this conclusion!
If you want to follow the story in more detail, here are some more links:
The Comics Reporter, Minnesota Parent Objects to Bone’s Drinking, Smoking, Gambling, Sexiness; Review of Work Scheduled
Thisweek Newspapers, “Bone” graphic novels by Jeff Smith not age appropriate for ISD 196 elementary students, mom says.
Robot 6, Jeff Smith Responds to Bone Ban
Local TV news KSTP Minneapolis and St. Paul, Parent wants graphic novels pulled from schools
Publishers Weekly, Jeff Smith Responds to “Bone” School Library Challenge
The Pioneer Press TwinCities.com, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Egan panel votes not to ban elementary school book series
The contents of the letter I sent to the review committee follows:
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to make a statement in light of this most serious situation.
The complaint against BONE, as I understand it from news reports, concerns the depiction of gambling, alcohol and tobacco use, and “sexual situations between characters.”
First, let me say BONE is a book about courage, conviction, and loyalty. The setting is a medieval town and the tavern is a realistic meeting place for the locals. The two main protagonists, Fone Bone and Thorn do not partake in any activities at the tavern other than meals. At no time in the entire series is anyone rewarded for bad behavior.
The main troublemaker, Phoney Bone does try to win bets, and he cheats, but his plans always, ALWAYS backfire. His moneymaking schemes make him look like a greedy loser. That’s the point of the whole series: selfish, immoral behavior is wrong.
Beer and gambling are depicted in BONE, but only as props or as story devices (even Smiley Bone’s stogie is little more than a Vaudeville/Groucho character prop). These things play a very small role in the overall BONE story. I will also point out that beer and gambling can be seen in many Bugs Bunny cartoons, Disney movies, and just about anywhere you look. The trick is portraying them correctly. These characters are the bad ones, and kids know the difference. Phoney and Smiley scheme and gamble and get their comeuppance. The story’s heroes do not participate in any of these behaviors.
As far as “sexual situations between characters” are concerned, I know of none. Nor was it ever my intention for there to be any. The main character Fone Bone has a crush on the young woman Thorn, but it’s innocent, and certainly goes no further than holding hands.
Many, many children have learned to love reading because of BONE. I know this from meeting and talking to kids and their parents, teachers, and librarians at hundreds of book signings and school visits. I suspect that there are members of the review committee who can attest to this. Since the mid 90’s, millions of parents all over the world have read BONE with their children. This is the first time I have ever heard it suggested that it was age inappropriate. It is hard to imagine that any bad behavior could be seen to be encouraged in these stories. Frankly, I believe it is just the opposite.
Sincerely,
Jeff Smith
[...] Jeff Smith has posted about the decision on his blog and included the entire letter he sent to the review [...]
Pingback by Bone to stay in Minnesota school district’s libraries [Updated] | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources – Covering Comic Book News and Entertainment — April 28, 2010 @ 3:02 pm
Excellent letter, Jeff. The Great Cow Race remains!
Comment by Carolyn — April 28, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
“Since the mid 90’s, millions of parents all over the world have read BONE with their children. This is the first time I have ever heard it suggested that it was age inappropriate”.
You couldn’t have said it in a better way.
I never thought ANYONE could find anything not suitable for a child reader in any page of BONE… Maybe this particular “anyone” just saw some pictures that seemed confusing to her, and never bothered to actually READ the story…?
Congratulations anyway, and greetings from Spain!
Comment by Mikel — April 28, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I dont see why they would want Bone removed the kids TV shows are probably worse The person was probably jelous of how hot Thorn looks :3
Comment by jeff — April 28, 2010 @ 3:59 pm
Score 1 for freedom of expression!
Comment by Marcus — April 28, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
When I worked in a middle school back in 2001, I pushed for the library to pick it up, and they did. When I transferred to the elementary school though, I must admit, that I did not carry a copy in my classroom library because I didn’t think some parents would find it acceptable (the bathing scene comes to mind). I was actually surprised when Scholastic picked it up despite the issues (which, as you said, relate directly to life in a medeval town). I really wish I had your letter back then! Your letter refutes the complains as only an author can-with fact, knowledge and precise word choice. Bravo!
Comment by shadoe — April 28, 2010 @ 4:54 pm
Thank god. This was so ridicuous.
Comment by Will Kirwan — April 28, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
I agree, excellent letter. And great news that they voted 10 to one against banning the books.
Comment by Josh — April 28, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
A victory for common sense.
Comment by Mitchell Craig — April 28, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
I found NOTHING offensive. As I read it, I felt some of the themes might not be completely grasped by younger children but NEVER did I think it was INAPPROPRIATE!
Of course she’s from the midwest. I’m from the midwest and have seen similar things. Members of my family think Barney (purple dinosaur) is evil. They think Harry Potter is evil (magic=satan… somehow!
)
Comment by FoxDie — April 29, 2010 @ 4:34 am
Excellent letter.
Regardless of the outcome, the system worked.
A parent, doing what parents should do, reviewed what her child was reading, and found it unsuitable.
She then filed a formal complaint with the school district.
The school district treated the complaint professionally, followed written procedures, and held a public hearing to decide the issue.
From what I’ve seen online, there was no sensationalism from the local media.
If only all such controversies were handled this well!
Mr. Smith… some readers mentioned that Disney Adventures edited some scenes when they published Bone in color. Could you please comment about this?
Comment by Torsten Adair — April 29, 2010 @ 10:22 am
After reading all the articles I must say I’m sick and tired of parents that claim to be protecting children but don’t actually bother to read or watch the things they’re protecting them from. It’s obvious to me that the woman didn’t bother reading any of Bone as she would have quickly seen how the bad behavior always ended in failure.
Your letter was spectacular and I’m really happy Bone came out on top though, it’s always been a great inspiration to me and I look forward to reading it to my future kids^^
Comment by Bluuseas — April 29, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
Very glad to hear it turned out so well. You handled it perfectly.
Comment by Steve Weiner — April 29, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
Hey there-
I was the guy who wrote the Sun article. This was an interesting story to write, because I was able to learn about other graphic novels in the process of research. I checked out “Berlin: City of Stones,” and can’t wait to read it. Also, it’s nice to see that someone reads the stuff we write – which I’m sure you can relate to.
Sincerely,
Joseph Palmersheim
Sun Current Newspapers
Comment by Joseph L. Palmersheim — April 29, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
Hello Jeff Smith!
You are such a nice guy!
I was one of the early subscribers to Bone. My two daughters were just starting elementary school when Bone came out. I read it to them and they loved it. You published a picture drawn by my youngest in your letters column.
They didn’t get it if it was “inappropriate”, just like they didn’t get the look on Mulan’s face when the main boy character takes off his shirt in that Walt Disney movie.
My two little girls are now grown up and married. A couple of years ago, I gave them copies of the graphic novel. The Number-one-signed-by-the-artist copy of Bone is in a saftey box.
I love Bone. I wish you the best, my friends in Boneville.
Comment by Al Farmer — April 29, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
People are just nuts lately.
Not just the ones who “see” bad things everywhere but also the ones who give publicity to these out-of-reality people.
Judges should fine people who make the System loose money with all their inapropiate demands. That would make this kind of sad beings think twice before thinking of themselves as a retarded version of the Knights of the Round Table.
Comment by Dibumac — April 30, 2010 @ 6:05 am
[...] UPDATE: Jeff Smith’s Response to School Board [...]
Pingback by CBLDF » Bone Survives School Library Challenge! — April 30, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
“Basta dire che qualcosa fa male ai ragazzi e si finisce in prima pagina” (Stan Lee)
Comment by Fabio — April 30, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
What this parent was trying to do was just plain…dumb. The concept of trying to get a book banned from all other possible readers just because they found a few innuendos (Although I’ve only read volumes 1 and 2 as of now and I’ve seen a few) is outrageous. And, you’re right- the relationship between Thorn and Fone never goes beyond holding hands. From what I’ve seen- there’s no making out or sex. It’s hard to see what this parent is freaking out about. But, then again, most parents are very overprotective and will look into things far too much. It reminds me of how parents tried to challenge Nintendo for including a simple lottery based bonus game for the classic Super Mario Brothers 2.
Comment by Harley — May 1, 2010 @ 1:30 am
SCAD Student in Chris Schweizer’s Survey class and one who admires your work seeking answers to these 5 questions if you have the time:
1) Artist that inspired you?
2) What brush size do you use?
3) Thumbnails and then script to help guide you or script first and then thumbs?
4) Favorite story to read?
5) Favorite character to draw?
Comment by Nicolas Palmer — May 1, 2010 @ 10:11 am
Good said, Jeff!!
Congrats for your work.
See you in Barcelona!
Comment by Javier Cuevas — May 2, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Excellent news! I recently read the whole series with my ten year old nephew and he loved it so much (as did I). We got the volumes from his school library, and the public library. I glad we had the chance to do so.
Comment by Gerrard — May 2, 2010 @ 1:17 pm
So have you had a surge in “Bone” sales since this story broke?
Comment by Jen O — May 2, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
My sons go to isd 196 elementary schools and my oldest and we followed this story with interest and concern. It created an opportunity for thoughtful discussion between my child and I and what more could we ask a book to do?
Comment by Kitty — May 3, 2010 @ 8:48 am
If you read BONE backwards …
Comment by PerryDS — May 3, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
If a parent wants to ban Harry Potter in a PUBLIC Elementary school, I’m honestly not surprised they tried to do it with Bone. (I won’t be surprised if it happens for Twilight, though. Those books just shouldn’t be in the hands of an elementary schooler!) For me, Bone is the closest thing a child can get to the majesty of the animated movies of the 80′s, such as The Land Before Time and the Brave Little Toaster (both of which were great material for young ones). It’s silly to be trying to ban all-age friendly books from a public school, though. It’s just like wanting to remove any/or all religious symbols from the public eye. No good can come from it and make the person who wants to make the ban look like a total idiot.
Comment by Katie Kunkler — May 3, 2010 @ 9:04 pm
I was impressed with your response and pleased with the outcome. I began reading BONE to my 4 1/2 year old son last night. I am going to treasure every moment!
Thank you-
Comment by Sharon Haggerty — May 4, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
Dude, you rule. Honestly, you rule. That’s all I have to say.
That’s just why I like Bone – it is so unlike most comics aimed at children, like something from back when cartoons were still amazing and not pop-culture ridden. Bone is a classic and in my honest opinion, I think you shouldn’t pay attention to those people and just draw whatever you like.
But then I wonder – with all these people out and about, how will things like those that the mothers call ‘inappropriate’ end up in the soon-to-come Bone movie? Will it be omitted or something? I hope not…
I’m an enormous fan of Bone and I hope it will NEVER be banned anywhere!
Comment by R. Vianen — May 6, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
Well said, Jeff! You made some fine points even I hadn’t considered in defense of your books!
Comment by Zakitano — May 7, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Here!!! Here!!! Jeff, good response. Some of those parents who want to ban books come from down here in Georgia. They seem to want to draw attention to themselves. As Pogo would say “I has seen the enemy and they is us”
Comment by Barrycdog — May 8, 2010 @ 11:03 pm
I’m from Minnesota and have 4 kids age 13 and under. We all love the Bone books and are very happy to hear the Review Committee made such a sensible decision.
Comment by Jim Keefe — May 21, 2010 @ 10:52 am
i love your book can u give me your autograf plz
Comment by kaden — May 21, 2010 @ 11:21 am
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